Hi All...
This is an update of the last two very busy weeks. It was therapy as usual at the Shepherd Center. There were however a few high points to reflect back on.
The first one was during week six. A group of 3rd grade students from a local school came to the Shepherd Center for a tour. In addition to the tour they wanted to speak with a patient. I was the chosen patient to share my experience with the children. I spoke and then offered time for questions. As I am sure you can imagine...the questions held no boundaries!!!
I was also featured in an Atlanta Newspaper(Northside Neighbor). My story, experience overall, thoughts on the Shepherd Center and future hopes and dreams were mentioned. The story included several pictures of me,(one being on the front page). It is pretty bad...I have been in Atlanta so long, they featured me in the paper as one of their own!
Early in week seven, a procedure was done to the left arm in hopes of gaining further range. The minimaly invasive procedure paralyzed the nerves in the arm for a short time. Although further range was obtained, it was incredibly painful. It seemed as though something else was going on. Sure enough, an xray revealed that I have extra bone growing(HO)in between my elbow joint. This will be removed surgically at a later date.
On Wednesday of week seven, I pushed up the parking garage in a shorter time than previous. The strenght is increasing daily!
Thursday was perhaps the most challenging and rewarding day at the Shepherd Center. I started the day out bright and early on the LOKOMAT. The lokomat is a robotic device that simulates walking on a treadmill. I was harnessed in and started walking slowly with the robotic device. The speed was increased slowly, and I ended up walking a total of 3/4 of a mile, with the aid of this robotic device.
During the noon hour, I presented on the topic of pipelines and various new technologies in the industry. I enjoyed presenting to the group (there were about 10 people in the audience) and answering their questions. Of course I tried my best to answer the "why is gas nearly $4.00 a gallon" question. I believe the audience was enlightened with the answer.
The late afternoon was spent at The Lovett School in suburban Atlanta, where I met the track & field coach, spoke to the track team and helped with practice. I helped the coach organize and time intervals and even gave the sprinters a little Coach Gulden special on their last 200 meter speed interval (i.e. turned it into a 400m sprint unannounced) I enjoyed working with the coach and the kids and getting back onto the track again!
After a good Italian meal with family at the Brio Tuscan Grill, I was ready for bed! A good Thursday..."walking", presenting and coaching under sunny skies in Atlanta.
Friday was also special, but more on that later.
Good night to all. And thank you again for the unparalleled love and support.
Many Thanks,
Dana
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4 comments:
Dana,
I visit your site daily to read about your amazing progress. You define the meaning of "inspiration". Many folks might have given up, but you have made this life-event into an opportunity to reach out to others and share your talents through personal interactions and coaching.
I look forward to the day you will return to the Southern Tier. I hope to once again see your bike out in front of mine as you cruise to victory in the local Addison Race Fest - just like you did in 2006.
Keep advancing each day and stay focused on your goals. I'll be checking the blog each day, so keep the updates coming.
LiveStrong Dana!!
Brian Harpster
Campbell, NY
I too have visited everyday. Life holds changes and challenges. God (Good) Speed in your return home to family and friends.
RLW- NC
Hello Dana,
This is our first time posting a comment, but we have been here reading the updates each week and will continue to follow your progress. We especially enjoyed this update! Wow! You sure are busy there and it is wonderful how you are touching so many other lives by sharing your experiences, skills, and positive 'can do' attitude. Keep up the great spirit! We are cheering you on here at home. Our prayers are with you, also. God bless and strengthen you each and every day.
Your neighbors on Veteran Hill,
The Vosburghs
Dana & Courtney, and loving friends and family. I am a resident of the Berlin area. I have been following your blog since your horrible accident. In fact, I could not wait for each update. I am so glad you have survived and thrived. I pray that you will continue to be successful in whatever you do with the rest of your life. Everytime I felt like I was having a bad day or week, I would think of how hard and how long your struggle has been, and I know that I have nothing to complain about. I think this would be an amazing life story movie. A docudrama with the most inspirational message for anyone who must overcome adversity and the healing power of prayer and the love and support of family and friends. God bless you and your amazing family and friends.
Keep on keeping on : )
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